Grand Head Temple Shitennoji Temple First Japanese Temple in Buddha’s Law
The first Japanese Buddhist temple founded in 593 by Prince Shotoku. In addition to Buddhist temple arrangements that date back from its founding, there are plenty to see, such as the halls that worship various sects and masters that transcend boundaries.
As one of the first state-sponsored temples of Japan that was founded by Prince Shotoku in 593, it has weathered numerous damages from disasters and wars to still survive until the present day. The temple transcends the conventional boundaries among the sects as it holds arrangements of the Shitennoji temple that conveys the oldest temple of Japan, and dedications to Saicho (Dengyo Daishi), Kukai (Kobo Daishi), Honen, Shinran, etc. The central temple was recreated during the Showa era to mimic the form of the original building, in addition to the 6:00 PM worship hall at the northern section and the Gansan Daishi-do Hall are recognized as important cultural properties of Japan. In addition, there is a treasure museum that holds many numerous national treasures and important cultural properties, along with numerous stalls that pop up within the premise on festive days such as the 21st and 22nd of every month. *Please see the Shitennoji temple website for more details regarding each event.
Basic information
- Open
- April to September 8:30 - 16:30 *21st of each month 8:00 - 17:00 October to March 8:30 - 16:00 *21st of each month 8:00 - 16:30 Rokujido 8:30 - 18:00 *21st of each month from 8:00
- Holidays
- No designated days closed (some temporary closures of gardens)
- Price
- Central Temple: Adults ¥300, university and high school ¥200 Treasure Museum: Adults ¥500, university and high school ¥300 Honbou Japanese Garden: Adults ¥300, university/high school/middle school/elementary ¥200
- Directions
- 5-minute walk from Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka Station on the Osaka Metro Tanimachi Line
- Location
- 1-11-18 Shitennoji, Tennoji-ku, Osaka, 543-0051
- Tel
- 06-6771-0066
- Fax
- 06-6773-4921
- URL
- https://www.shitennoji.or.jp/
- Other
- general participation
Every month on the 21st - Daishi-e, a temple festival for Kobo Daishi Every month on the 22st - Daishi-e, a temple festival for Shotoku Taishi March 18th to March 24th - Vernal Equinox Day This celebration lasts a total of seven days, the three days before and the day of the spring vernal equinox (the first day of spring), and the three days following it. During this period, ancestor memorial services will be held in the halls within the grounds of Shitennoji Temple. There will also be many stalls within the grounds. August 9th to August 16th - Manto Kuyo Manto Kuyo is an event held to memorialize ancestors over Obon. Each evening, candles marked with around 10,000 names of ancestors are lit, and monks parade within the temple, accompanied by the Hannya Shingyo Buddhist sutra. Shrouded by twilight, the spectacle is one of mysterious and subtle beauty. September 20th to September 26th - Autumnal Equinox Day This celebration lasts a total of seven days, the three days before and the day of the autumn vernal equinox (the first day of autumn), and the three days following it. During this period, ancestor memorial services will be held in the halls within the grounds of Shitennoji Temple. There will also be many stalls within the grounds.
